The Stewart Family from Quail’s Gate Winery in West Kelowna has been named the 2026 winner of the Canadian Wine Industry Award of Distinction.
The award presented by Wine Growers Canada recognizes an individual or family who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, long-standing commitment, and meaningful contributions to the advancement of Canadian wine.
Regarded as the highest form of peer recognition in the Canadian wine industry, the award was among a total of six awards presented by Wine Growers Canada and Wine Growers of British Columbia in Penticton last week.
“Early adopters of vinifera in the Okanagan Valley, this fourth generation farming family, through their dedication to premium quality wines and unique culinary experiences, helped establish the Okanagan Valley as one of North America’s most compelling cool- climate wine regions,” said Dan Pashkowski, President and CEO of WGC.
Miles Prodan of Kelowna received the Wine Industry Champion Award in recognition of his 14-years as President and CEO of the BC Wine Institute.
During Prodan’s tenure he brought a strategic vision that connected wine, tourism, and regional economic growth.
“Nationally, he was tenacious in his advocacy by supporting interprovincial, direct-to- consumer wine shipping,” Paszkowski said.
Andrzej Lipinski of Big Head Wines in Niagara, Ont., won The Karl Kaiser Canadian Winemaker Award for his range of techniques in wine making and contributions to the Niagara wine industry.
Rhys Pender, co-owner and winemaker at Little Farm Winery in Cawston, was the recipient of the Leadership Excellence Award presented by the WGBC.
The award honours an individual, business, or organization whose work has meaningfully advanced the BC wine industry through media, research, policy, regulation, education or advocacy.
Brynne Dickson, guest experience manager at Cedar Creek Winery in Kelowna, took home the Ultimate BC Wine Ambassador Award.
As exemplified by Dickson, this award celebrates a frontline winery professional who brings passion, knowledge, and authenticity to every guest interaction to create memorable experiences.
Fostering a positive and engaged team environment is also an important criterion.
The Master Marketeer Award went to Jenna White, creator of the ThatBCWineGirl channel.
The award recognizes an individual or organization that goes beyond the expected to elevate BC wine.
Originally from the Fraser Valley’s wine region, White’s winery routes include many through the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys.
To learn more information about the awards, visit WineGrowersCanada.ca and WineBC.com.
By , Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Apr 08, 2026 at 08:00
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